Health

When the words oils and fats are mentioned, health conscious individuals tend to run for cover.What they fail to understand is that there are good fats and bad fats. Track to avoid the intake of oils and fats would actually be detrimental – rather than beneficial – to their health.

The Truth about Fish Oil
Essential fatty acids must always be part of our daily diet – without them, we take a step closer to our deaths. Essential fatty acids are divided into two families: omega-6 EFAs and omega-3 EFAS.

Although there are only very slight differences to distinguish the two groups of essential fatty acids from each other, studies have shown that too much intake of omega-6 EFAs can lead to inflammation, blood clotting and tumor growth. The good news, however, is that the opposite is true for omega-3 EFA. Omega-6 EFAs are found in vegetable oils, while omega-3 EFAs can be found in fish oils among other foods.

Omega-6 vs. Omega-3
Doctors and scientists are of the same opinion that the cause of increasing cases of heart disease, hypertension or high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, premature aging and certain types of cancer is nothing but an unbalanced intake of omega-3 and omega-6 EFA.

As mentioned above, omega-6 EFAs can be found in vegetable oils. This includes but is not limited to corn oil and soybean oil, two of which contain high amounts of linoleic acid. Omega-3 EFAs on the other hand can also be found in marine plankton and walnut and flaxseed oils.Should be significant to note that fatty fish and fish oils contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), fatty acids that have been observed to provide many benefits to the human body. Early in 1970, a study on Greenland Eskimos have revealed that one of the main reasons for rarely suffer from heart diseases is because of their high fat diet (mainly composed of fish).

The two essential fatty acids, EPA and DHA, are also useful in preventing atherosclerosis, heart disease, depression and various forms of cancer. Fish oil supplemented food have also proven to be useful in treating diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, Raynaud’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Other benefits of fish oil
There are a lot more illnesses and situations in which intake of fish oil has shown to be significantly positive.

Making Healthier Heart
The heart is arguably one of the most important parts of our body and having an unhealthy heart means having to suffer a rather limited duration. Of course, it is in our interest to keep the heart healthy and happy and a way to do that is to eat foods that contain fish oil.

Athens, Greece, for example, a study was done to show whether there was a direct relationship between high fish diet and inflammation of blood vessels. The results revealed that those who eat more fish that the others had a lower level of C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, factors that are commonly used to measure the likelihood of inflammation of blood vessels. These benefits remained even when the various risks associated with high fish diet were taken into account.

Fish become thin
In Perth, Australia, one study found that consumption of fish may be used against hypertension and obesity. Researchers at the UWA (University of Western Australia) have discovered that a weight-loss diet that includes a regular amount of fish consumption can be very effective in lowering blood pressure and improve glucose tolerance.

Fish oil for the fight against asthma
People suffering from respiratory problems like asthma tend to be perceived as unfit and unhealthy. They should now be pleased to learn that some studies have shown the benefits of fish oil for asthma-burdened individuals. Statistics show that about 20 to 25% of children today suffer one form of asthma or another at some point in their lives. And certain evidence reveals a regular diet of food with high content of linoleic acid, as the reason behind it.

Researchers at the UW (University of Wyoming) conducted a study by subjecting a number of children a diet rich in fish, while others continued with their regular diet. Results showed that participants who ate more fish were less prone to asthma attacks and were able to breathe more easily as well.

Consult your nutritionist Now
Nothing is good when consumed or used excessively but complete avoidance of a particular type of food is equally harmful as well. Ask your nutritionist for the right amount of fish intake for your age and health status.